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RESEARCH BRIEFING
11 Aug 2026

Heatwave in Europe will likely have a moderate negative impact on Q3 growth

The Eurozone faces growth challenges due to a heatwave and drought, impacting industries and food prices, while wildfires have a localized effect.

The ongoing heatwave is expected to moderately impact Eurozone growth in Q3, compounded by high energy inflation. While some sectors may face significant challenges, overall economic resilience suggests a slowdown rather than a complete stall.

Low water levels, particularly in Germany's Rhine River, pose a serious risk to industrial activity, especially for chemical, metal, and construction firms. The drought could reduce German growth by up to 0.2 percentage points in Q3. However, wildfires in Southern Europe are unlikely to have a substantial effect on the broader Eurozone economy, as their impact remains localized.

Food prices are anticipated to rise due to adverse weather conditions, with estimates suggesting an increase in food price inflation by over 1 percentage point next year. The power sector is also feeling the strain, with rising electricity prices driven by increased reliance on natural gas amid reduced hydro and nuclear generation.

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